Protecting Your Wine in a Heat Wave

Nothing says summer like sitting out by the pool enjoying a chilled glass of rose, sparkling, or a cool sauv blanc. We love our rose all day. And by night we love some deep blend Pinot or Zinfandel with our favorite wood fired pizza. Unfortunately, the heat of summer presents problems for wine lovers whether you store your wine in the kitchen, basement, or closet.

Extreme heat can wreak havoc on your carefully curated wine collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, knowing how to protect your wine during a heatwave is essential for preserving its quality and value. Here’s how to safeguard your bottles when the temperature spikes.

1. Understand How Heat Affects Wine

Wine is alive, changing with it's environment and  incredibly sensitive to heat. Temperatures above 70°F (21°C) can cause wine to age prematurely, while anything above 80°F (27°C) can literally cook the wine, destroying its flavor and aroma. Even short-term exposure can lead to irreversible damage, making temperature control a top priority.

2. Protect Your Investment With One of our Top Rated Wine Coolers

The most effective way to protect your wine is with one of our stand alone wine coolers . Our hand selected wine fridges  are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, typically around 55°F (13°C), which is ideal for storing both red and white wines. During a heatwave, a wine cooler acts as your first line of defense against temperature fluctuations.

Red wines should be served a bit more chilled than normal during heat. High humidity can also damage these wines. 

3. Choose the Right Wine Storage Location

Avoid storing wine in garages, attics, or rooms that experience direct sunlight or poor insulation. Instead, opt for a cool, dark area of your home—preferably one with little temperature fluctuation. Built-in wine coolers are especially effective in maintaining a stable environment in kitchens or custom cabinetry.

4. Keep Wine Away from Sunlight

UV rays are another enemy of wine. They can degrade the compounds in wine, leading to unpleasant flavors. Always store wine in a location shielded from natural light, or choose a wine cooler with UV-protected glass doors.

5. Avoid Constant Opening of the Cooler

During extreme heat, try to limit how often you open your wine cooler or refrigerator. Every time the door opens, warm air rushes in and makes it harder for the unit to maintain a stable internal temperature.

6. Monitor Humidity Levels

In addition to temperature, maintaining proper humidity—ideally between 60-70%—is key. Too little humidity can dry out corks, while too much can promote mold. Many premium wine coolers come with built-in humidity controls to keep your collection in perfect condition.